Album Notes

"The story is pure delight. Its plot is simple and tender, yet principled and straightforward in terms of its lessons. The telling itself is highly inventive and entertaining, very well interpreted, and the writing is poetic and effective."

--Danielle Boutet (Artistic Director, MFA Program, Goddard College)

Synopsis:
Henrietta Hippo's fervent dream is to become a ballerina (despite her unwieldy hipposity). Her attempt to realize that dream, however, is thwarted by the arrogant and vindictive ballet instructor Francine Flamingo. In dismay, Henrietta plods off to her riverside home to sulk. There she meets the super funky Carlsbad Crocodile who teaches her that if she wants to dance, she has to dance like a hippo. Reinvigorated, Henrietta practices her dance moves until she reinvents herself as the ground thumpin' rompin' stompin' dance diva she was meant to be. The other animals in the jungle take notice and join her triumphant hippo dance. Henrietta then goes on to start a dance school of her own, where every animal is taught to find its own dance.

About the Hippo's Dance:
A steady stream of incidental music and song underscores and illustrates the story. The music, performed by a cast of ten professional musicians, covers a broad range of styles including jazz, funk, classical, big band swing, and african & latin rhythms. The Hippo's Dance is an inspiring and entertaining CD for ages three and up. Even adults enjoy it and find something new with every listening.

About Noah:
Noah Hirt Manheimer earned his B.A. from Simon's Rock of Bard and his M.A. from Goddard College, both in music composition. He teaches audio production, guitar, and preschool art, music, and science at The Enchanted Garden in Ridgefield, CT (EnchantedGardenArts.com). With his band, The Enchanted Garden All Stars*, Noah performs, creates CDs, and makes people of all ages smile.

*see The Enchanted Garden All Stars self-titled CD